Letter: Costs of obstruction in D.C. are adding up

President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

Consider the economic opportunity cost of Washington's partisanship and gridlock. Not the shutdown cost of $24 billion, rather the longer-term failure of the United States to realize our true potential. The wrangling and threats rampant in Congress, the slashing of common purpose by the negative daily rants of media talking heads, our government's inability to address problems with teamwork; all stifle our ability to build a better future.

As our politicians convince themselves of the righteousness of their partisan positions, will their anger and hatred become so entrenched that they become unable to compromise, to agree on positive outcomes for the American people, for the common good? Are we doomed to cycle after cycle of brinksmanship, uncertainty, stilted growth and loss of respect for our government?